Transforming the image of the engineer: The challenge to engineers is to change their image by making their presence felt in in civic, governmental, and professional affairs

The engineering profession is one of the finest professions today. It attracts the brightest students, as evidenced by scores on ACT and other achievement tests. Engineering education is sharply aimed at improving problem-solving skills as opposed to learning by rote. The engineering education environment is also among the most intense of any professional education program. Unfortunately, many engineers do not realize this, and the general public is unaware of the importance of engineering to society. It is the responsibility of upcoming engineers to change the image of the engineering profession — the way in which engineers are perceived by the public and the way in which they see themselves.